How to deal with an itchy scalp based on the cause

Diseases of the scalp that cause itching, rash, and pain are very disturbing. That is why overcoming itching on the scalp requires its own way, from tips on caring for hair to utilizing natural ingredients.

How to deal with an itchy and dry scalp

Itchy scalp can be caused by several things, from dandruff to psoriasis on the scalp. In addition, itching can also arise due to not knowing how to properly care for your hair or having a dry scalp type.

Well, some of the ways below might help you to get rid of this scalp problem.

1. Choose a shampoo according to scalp problems

One way to deal with itching on the scalp is to choose a shampoo product that suits your scalp problem. Shampoo is a hair care product that is available in various variants, from baby shampoo to medicated shampoo from doctors.

Besides functioning to clean dirt, dust, and bacteria that stick to the hair and scalp, shampoo can also help treat scalp diseases.

Dandruff

For example, there are many special shampoos that are used to treat dandruff. Generally, these shampoos are labeled as dandruff anti-dandruff with the following ingredients.

• Zinc pyrithione or zinc omadine
• Selenium sulfide
• Piroctone olamine
• Antifungal
• Coal tar

How often you should use this particular shampoo depends on how severe the dandruff is and the medications you are taking. Make it a habit to always read the rules of use on the shampoo packaging before use.

Scalp psoriasis

For those of you who experience psoriasis on the scalp, maybe you can try a shampoo that contains coal tar or salicylic acid. If the itching sensation on the scalp does not get better, consult a doctor to get the right treatment.

Lice

Itchy scalp can also be caused by head lice that pass from one person to another. Nits are difficult to see with the naked eye, but adult lice appear to be moving and walking on your head.

Well, one way to get rid of itching due to head lice is to use a special shampoo for head lice.

Hair shampoos usually contain pyrethrin or permethrin insecticides. In addition, you can also wash your hair using a pediculicide or head lice medication.

2. Use antifungal drugs

Apart from using a special shampoo, it turns out that you can also take antifungal medications to treat an itchy scalp problem. However, the type of antifungal drug used will depend on the disease being experienced.

Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)

Tinea capitis or commonly called ringworm is a condition when the scalp is infected with a fungus. This condition can cause small patches or baldness due to hair loss.

If you experience this, you should immediately consult a doctor. Generally, doctors will prescribe antifungal drugs to fight fungus and relieve symptoms of itching on the scalp, including:

• Griseofulvin, an oral antifungal drug for children,
• Terbinafine, an antifungal drug for adults, as well
• Itraconazole and fluconazole.

3. Cortisone ointment

Cortisone ointments and creams are part of a type of steroid medicine. This oral cortisone drug is indeed a treatment option offered by doctors to treat an itchy scalp disease.

Normally, cortisone ointment is used by people with psoriasis. In fact, this type of drug has also been shown to be effective in helping treat seborrheic dermatitis. The use of topical steroid drugs aims to control the inflammation that occurs in the lower layer of the scalp.

4. Maintain personal hygiene

Actually, the main key to relieving itching on the scalp is maintaining personal hygiene. Although cleanliness and hair care may not be related to your scalp problem, they can help relieve symptoms.

Here are some tips for maintaining personal hygiene that need to be done when experiencing scalp disease.

• Routinely wash items used, such as sheets, clothes, hats, and clothes, especially when you are exposed to head lice.
• Wash your hair, aka shampooing it regularly with shampoo according to your hair type.
• Not using salon hair care products for a while.

If you have further questions, please consult a dermatologist or dermatologist for the right solution.

Natural ways to deal with an itchy scalp

In addition to the methods above, there are a number of natural ingredients that you can use to treat an itchy scalp. Anything?

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil (tea tree oil) is known as an oil that is antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. Therefore, this oil is often used to help relieve itching on the scalp.

How to use it:

• Mix 10 - 20 drops of tea tree oil with baby shampoo
• Mix well
• Wash hair with the mixture

In addition, you can also combine tea tree oil with vegetable oil. Then, apply on the scalp and massage lightly.

2. Coconut oil

Apart from tea tree oil, coconut oil is also believed to be effective in dealing with itchy and dry scalp. The reason is, coconut oil is claimed to reduce the number of bacteria, fungi and other pathogens. This is evidenced by research from Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine .

Not only that, coconut oil for hair can also penetrate the skin quickly. This will increase your skin's moisture and elasticity, which can help fight itching and reduce the risk of infection.

Even so, further research is still needed whether the effect will be the same if applied to the scalp.

How to use it:

• Apply coconut oil on the scalp to taste
• Massage the scalp gently
• Let stand for 20 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly

3. Aloe vera

Did you know that the emollient content in aloe vera is able to keep the scalp soft and moist? Therefore, aloe vera is often used by many people to relieve itching on the scalp.

In fact, the nutritional content in aloe vera that helps speed up wound healing can also be used to treat dandruff problems.

How to use it:

• Cut the aloe vera leaves to taste
• Take the gel in it
• Apply it on the scalp
• Let stand for 15-20 minutes
• Rinse head thoroughly

4. Lemon

Lemon juice has long been known as a traditional remedy for various ailments, including itchy scalp problems. How can?

You see, the flavonoid content in lemon juice is very beneficial for the world of health. The reason is, flavonoids show antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity that can fight free radicals.

When applied to the skin, the acid in lemon can remove dead cells, get rid of dandruff, rashes, itching, and so on. Apart from that, lemon juice also gives a feeling of freshness, especially when the lemon oil is mixed in your bath water.

How to use it:

• Squeeze lemon to taste
• Mix lemon juice with water
• Apply a mixture of water and lemon on the scalp
• Shampoo your hair

If successful, you can repeat this treatment as a remedy for an itchy scalp. However, some of the natural ingredients above should first be discussed with a dermatologist, especially when you are undergoing certain medications.